Effects of Depressive Disorders on Patients Undergoing Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Matched-Control Analysis

Studies evaluating the effects of depressive disorders in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are sparse. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether patients who have depressive disorders undergoing primary TKA have higher rates of (1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS), (2) readmission rates, (3) medical complications, (4) implant-related complications, and (5) costs of care.

Patients with depressive disorders undergoing primary TKA were identified and matched to controls in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and comorbidities. The query yielded 138,076 patients who had (n = 23,061) or did not have (n = 115,015) depressive disorders. Primary outcomes analyzed included in-hospital LOS, 90-day readmission rates, 90-day medical complications, 2-year implant-related complications, and costs of care. A P value less than .003 was considered statistically significant.

Patients who have depressive disorders had significantly longer in-hospital LOS (6.2 days vs 3.1 days; P < .0001). Additionally, study group patients had a higher incidence and odds of readmissions (15.5% vs 12.1%; odds ratio [OR], 1.33; P < 001), medical complications (5.0% vs 1.6%; OR, 3.34; P < .0001), and implant-related complications (3.3% vs 1.7%; OR; 1.97; P < .0001) Study group patients also incurred significantly higher day of surgery ($12,356.59 vs $10,487.71; P < .0001) and 90-day costs ($23,386.17 vs $22,201.43; P < .0001).

After adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, this study demonstrated that patients who have depressive disorders have increased rates of in-hospital LOS, readmissions, complications, and cost. The study is useful in allowing orthopedists to adequately educate patients of potential complications which may occur.